In this first change to the NFL postseason since 1990, the league has agreed to expand the number of playoff bids from 12 teams to 14 teams. Both conferences will add a seventh team the wildcard contention during the upcoming 2020 season.
The change will add a third wildcard team for each conference, allowing teams on the cusp of wildcard placement to sneak in and have a chance in the playoffs.
As a consequence of adding a new team, the first-round bye for the number two seed will be eliminated, making the top spot in each conference that more valuable. To make things more interesting, the division leaders will have a new visiting team after the wildcard weekend.
The new change makes not only the postseason more fun to watch but also the regular season. Instead of teams sitting talented players to preserve for the postseason, those teams will be battling for a playoff spot and trying to gain a better position with the only bye week and a first-round matchup.
An additional team will also increase the chances of an underdog team going on a postseason run and upsetting the division leaders, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Fourteen teams in contention will increase the playoff schedule by two games and will make wildcard weekend more exciting to watch.
With more teams having the possibility of going to the playoffs, the tension and buzz around the NFL will stay consistent throughout the year, not just during the peak of the playoffs in December.
Altogether, the new schedule will make for higher-stakes football and will keep viewers watching the entire season from beginning to end.
